Comparison

Maelstrom vs TickBoom

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Maelstrom

Features
Read full description

Maelstrom helps you stick to your routines and habits. Create routines by breaking them down into individual tasks with a duration. When you start a routine, the app will guide you through it one task at a time with a timer. When the time is up, it will alert you to move on to the next task to make sure you complete the routine. Additional features include: - Individual task schedules (e.g. "Journal every Sunday") - Minimum time for positive habits (e.g. "Read for at least 5 minutes") If this sounds helpful, give it a try. The app is free without subscriptions, ads or tracking. It is a personal project with no commercial intention.

About

TickBoom

Features
Read full description

TickBoom turns your goals into real commitments instead of vague intentions. Set a goal, choose a duration, start the countdown, and work until the timer hits zero. At the end, you face a simple outcome: success or failure. Less procrastination. More action. A lot more things actually finished. Unlike a basic to‑do list or a standard timer, TickBoom adds urgency, accountability, and momentum. You are not just listing tasks – you are committing to them in real time. WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH TICKBOOM: – Create time‑bound goals and commitments instead of endless lists – Track active time and real progress, session after session – Build daily streaks and monitor your success rate over time – Break down bigger goals into clear, manageable subtasks – Use Strict Mode to stay locked in until the countdown ends – Keep focus sessions live on your Lock Screen with Live Activities – Personalize the app with multiple visual themes that match your mood WHY THIS WORKS: Most productivity apps stop at planning. You write tasks, you feel productive… and then nothing moves. TickBoom pushes you one step further: it forces a decision. Did you actually do what you said you would do during that time block – yes or no? That simple success/failure loop is what builds momentum. Each finished session gives you a win. Each missed one is a signal you can see, measure, and improve. BUILT FOR PEOPLE WHO STRUGGLE TO START AND FINISH: TickBoom is especially powerful if you: – Procrastinate on important but uncomfortable tasks – Open your laptop and drift between apps without real progress – Start many things but rarely bring them to the finish line – Feel overwhelmed by big goals and don’t know where to begin By turning every session into a commitment with a visible result, TickBoom helps you start faster, stay focused longer, and finish more often. PERFECT FOR: – Deep work sessions where you want zero excuses – Studying and revision blocks with a clear start and end – Work sprints for remote workers and freelancers – ADHD-friendly timeboxing with structure and feedback – Anyone tired of “soft” timers that are easy to ignore HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF TICKBOOM 1. Pick one concrete task, not a vague project. 2. Set a countdown that feels challenging but realistic. 3. Turn on Strict Mode when you really need to commit. 4. At the end, be honest: success or failure. 5. Use streaks and stats to see your real follow‑through improve. Over time, you will not just “plan better” – you will build a stronger identity: someone who finishes what they start. Download TickBoom and turn your goals into real commitments, one focused session at a time. We continue to develop new features for TickBoom. Your feedback is valuable, so please feel free to send us an email to help us improve: support@tickboom.app Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://windy-windflower-9a5.notion.site/Privacy-Policy-269a1994955d80968e25f2ac4f4986e0?source=copy_link

Screenshots

Maelstrom3 screens
TickBoom4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Maelstrom at none against TickBoom's 3. TickBoom's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 8 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. TickBoom sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Maelstrom asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Maelstrom ships an update every 8 months, TickBoom every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on January 18, 2026 and September 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
Maelstrom versus TickBoom: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMaelstromTickBoom
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 8 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.115.1
Further details — not scored
Size32 MB74 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperRichard HelmNjelison Razafindrakoto

In-app purchases

None

Maelstrom

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

TickBoom

Subscriptions2
  • Premium Monthly Subscription$3.991 Month
  • Premium Annual Subscription7 Days trial$34.991 Year
One-time1
  • Premium Lifetime Subscription$79.99

Questions

Is Maelstrom free?
Maelstrom is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is TickBoom free?
TickBoom is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Maelstrom or TickBoom have ads?
Neither Maelstrom nor TickBoom shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Maelstrom or TickBoom?
Maelstrom ships an update every 8 months, and TickBoom every 3 weeks. Most recently, Maelstrom was updated on January 18, 2026 and TickBoom on September 6, 2026.

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